The United States announced that it will waive Qatar’s visa requirements, making Qatar the first Arab country to join the visa waiver program.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that Qatar met all stringent security measures to become the 42nd member of the program. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted that this move would enhance the strategic partnership and increase the exchange of people and commerce between the two nations.
Qatar, home to a major U.S. air base, has played a key role in international diplomacy, including efforts to mediate a Gaza ceasefire and assisting in the evacuation of Afghan allies as the Taliban took power.
U.S. officials are considering extending this program to other Gulf Arab nations. The visa waiver program mainly includes wealthy countries from Europe and East Asia. Israel joined last year after committing to non-discriminatory practices against U.S. citizens of Palestinian or other Arab descent.
Under this program, eligible citizens can secure pre-clearance to enter the United States online, avoiding the traditional visa process. Still, some may need to apply for a visa, especially if they have visited countries with adversarial relations with the U.S., such as Iran.
